Make use of the water- and oil- repelling properties of nano coating

From automotive to food processing, from interiors to textile: a nano coating is useful in almost any sector. Nano coating can be used to provide a protective sealing coat for a wall and also to make the windows of a skyscraper self-cleaning. In this article we will take a look at the many possibilities liquid nano coatings offer.

To give you with an idea of whether nano coating is what your project needs, here are five benefits the coating can provide. Nano coating:

These benefits are possible thanks to nanotechnology that makes use of tiny nano particles. Therefore, the coating does not form a layer on the substrate like traditional coatings, but becomes one with the substrate instead. Due to this, liquids can no longer penetrate the surface, and dirt, grease and fungi cannot adhere.

3 steps to define the right nano coating for your project

When choosing the nano coating for your project, you should keep in mind that purpose and material of the substrate: glass, wood and concrete all require slightly different products. For example, your car may require a nano ceramic coating for paint protection, whereas the car windows need a nano spray for glass.

Therefore, we’ll take you closer to the right nano coating through the following three steps.

STEP ONE: Define the desired effect of the coating

Essentially, the main effects nano coatings can have are hydrophobic, hydrophilic, oleophobic and impact resistant. Depending on the chemical composition and ingredients, nano coatings can be based on glass or ceramics.

It is important to first determine what you want to achieve with the coating.

1. Water- and dirt repellent

Water repellent nano coating keeps water droplets in form.

Suitable coating: Hydrophobic and oleophobicWhat it is: Hydrophobic and oleophobic literally mean afraid of water and afraid of oils. The effective ingredient in these coatings is silicon dioxide which prevents water and contaminants from adhering to the surface. This type of nano coating is available for nearly any surface: the most common applications take place on bathroom floors and walls.Examples of applications:Windows, walls and floors in the food processing industry, eyeglasses, sanitary facilities, textile, plastic, exterior furniture etc.

2. Self-cleaning

Suitable coating: Hydrophilic coatingWhat it is: These nano coatings are based on titanium dioxide and they are suitable especially for smooth surfaces. Titanium dioxide breaks almost any organic bond in UV light. It does not repel water, but attracts it instead; creating a thin, tiny water filter which creates a self-cleaning effect. The coating is extremely hygienic; you will literally see water and dirt slide off the surface.Examples of applications:skyscraper windows, medical instrument, solar panels and greenhouses.

Impact resistant nano coatings are usually wipe-on solutions.

3. Impact resistant

Suitable coating: Glass- or ceramic coatingWhat it is: Like hydrophobic and oleophobic coatings, ceramic and glass coatings are based on silicon dioxide, however, the concentration is higher. This makes the nano coating extremely hard, almost insoluble and resistant to a wide range of chemicals. Due to the extreme hardness of the coating, it is also somewhat resistant to impact and scratches. Therefore, it is one of the most popular nano coatings in the automotive coating and refinishes sectors.Examples of applications:Car paint, statues, machines, as a top coat on floors and walls.

STEP TWO: Choose the nano coatings suitable for your substrate

Even though nano coatings are suitable for almost any substrate, not every coating adheres to all substrates. The optimal adherence is created by adding ingredients that support adhering to the wished material such as smooth metal or porous concrete. Therefore, the products are also often named according to the substrate they are suitable for: for example Nano Concrete, Nano Plastic and so on.

Example: Mavro International offers a strong Nitoguard Plastic, which protects smooth plastic surfaces and makes the chemical resistant. Nitoguard Stone, for its part is developed for porous stone-like materials, and it works as a sealer on concrete, stone and minerals.

Therefore, it is crucial to choose for the product that is especially developed for the surface you wish to coat. If you anyway choose for a product that is made for a different substrate, the coating may not adhere and the effect may not be as wished.

STEP THREE: Buy nano coating for professional use

Once you know which nano coating you need, it is time to purchase the coating. To make the job little easier for you, we have compiled a short overview of professional nano coatings available in the UK. Do not hesitate to contact us if you are interested in the following products, or if you are looking for a tailored nano solution.

5 things to keep in mind before applying nano coatings

Even though nano coatings are known for their many benefits, they also have a less beneficial side: keep in mind that nano coatings are not always the right solution. You should consider at least the following 5 things before deciding to go for nano coatings.

Contamination: the coatings are not suitable for old, contaminated substrates. The substrate must be absolutely clean.

Easy to clean: nano coating are however not resistant to harsh cleaning chemicals and microfibre cloths.

Type of substrate: every substrate requires a different nano coating.

Limited durability: nano coatings are not for ever. Some products may deteriorate very fast and need another layer shortly after the first is applied.

Product names: the names manufacturers give their products may be confusing; anti graffiti and glass coating are most often names of nanocoatings.

Have you come to the conclusion that nano coating is not the right coating for your project? We know all the alternatives. We are happy to help answer any questions you might have about (nano) coatings. Additionally, we have an extensive network of coating experts whose expertise is at your disposal. Do not hesitate to contact us for tailored advice.

Applying nano coatings: find a professional contractor

Let’s say you are curious about using nano coatings in car manufacture. Or you wish to protect electronic devices from short-circuits. Or maybe something completely else. We at Coating.co.uk are happy to offer our services to help you find the right nano coating. In cooperation with our coating partners, we can also draw up a competitive proposal for applying nano coatings.

Nanotechnology is the bases of many innovative experiments and prototypes. For example hospitals make use of nanotechnology in antimicrobial floor and wall coatings. Next to that, medical equipment and implants can be nano coated to make them safer.